14-Year-Old Drowns in Croatian River; School Mourns Loss

A tragic incident has occurred in Međimurje, Croatia, where a 14-year-old boy drowned in the Drava River. The boy was swimming with friends in a river backwater when he separated from the group and disappeared. After failing to locate him or get a response, emergency services were alerted, initiating a large-scale search.

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With great sadness and disbelief, we received the news of the tragic passing of our dear 7th-grade student.

Divers discovered the body of the young male in the Drava River between Pušćina and Gornji Hrašćan on Saturday afternoon. Police confirmed the deceased as a 14-year-old from the village of Parag, near Nedelišće. Locals described the area as a popular swimming spot, but recent heavy rains had raised the water levels, and the water remained extremely cold.

Following the confirmation of the tragic news, the Dr. Ivan Novak Macinec Elementary School, which the boy attended, issued an emotional statement. "With great sadness and disbelief, we received the news of the tragic passing of our dear 7th-grade student," the school community stated. "The entire school community – students, teachers, and staff – is deeply shaken by this premature loss. He will remain in our memory as a dear student, a cheerful friend, and a valuable member of our school."

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He will remain in our memory as a dear student, a cheerful friend, and a valuable member of our school.

The school extended its deepest sympathies to the boy's family, relatives, and friends, concluding their message with "In these most difficult moments, we express our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family, relatives, and friends. Rest in peace."

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In these most difficult moments, we express our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family, relatives, and friends. Rest in peace.